Resolution of the Holy Synod of Antioch Regarding the Status of Bishops in North America

Click image to download PDF versionSYNODAL RESOLUTION

The Holy Synod of Antioch in its 46 Synodal session, after long and careful deliberation and following the careful investigation of canonical studies submitted to the Holy Synod, including the study of Metropolitan Basil of Arcadia (Akar) who was commissioned by the Holy Synod of Antioch, with regard to the historicity of bishops, hereby affirms that the bishops of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America, chosen to dioceses and delegated to these dioceses by the Metropolitan, are Auxiliary bishops under the direction of the Metropolitan, who has the full jurisdiction over the Archdiocese. Furthermore, the Metropolitan, possesses the right and the authority to transfer a bishop from one diocese to another, as he deems necessary for the benefit of the Archdiocese, and after deliberating with the Archdiocesan Synod. The Dioceses within the Archdiocese are not considered, by any means, independent, but rather shall always remain under the direct authority and control of the Metropolitan. Further, the Holy Synod confirms and reaffirms that the Holy Synod, under the Chairmanship of the Patriarch, is the final and supreme authority in all matters related to all Archdioceses of the Patriarchate of Antioch. The Holy Synod affirms that the Arabic Test [sic] is considered as the only reference.

This synodal resolution is issued at St. Christopher Covenant on the 19th of August 2010